Employment & Training

Pathways – For Participants

The Pathways program is designed to support individuals who are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in their pursuit of self-sufficiency. Pathways offers opportunities for job readiness training, makes available supportive services to address client identified barriers, and provides one-on-one client advocacy.

How can I enroll in the Pathways program?

Enrollment begins at the Office of Public Assistance. Once eligible for TANF, you will automatically be referred to HRDC’s Pathways program.

Is participation in the Pathways program required in order to receive TANF funds?

Yes. Approval of your TANF benefits is dependent on meeting Pathways and other eligibility requirements determined by the Office of Public Assistance.

What is required of me?

You will be required to complete 27-33 hours of activities each week that will help you accomplish your family’s self sufficiency goals. You will need to attend Pathways meetings as scheduled and provide documentation of completed activities.

Are there supportive services available to participants?

Yes, once your TANF benefits have been authorized. Supportive services for transportation assistance, interview or work clothes and other employment tools are available on a limited basis.

What will my Client Advocate do?

Your Client Advocate will assist in negotiating activities suitable for your current job readiness needs and request supportive services on your behalf as needed. Your Client Advocate may also provide referrals to various programs, classes, and other service providers in your community.

How long can I be in the Pathways program?

You are allowed sixty months of TANF assistance nationwide during your lifetime.

For more information

Call (406) 247-4732 (Billings) / (406) 665-2523 (Hardin) or Email info@hrdc7.org

Work Experience Programs for Employers

Work Experience Sites provide participants with work opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and work behaviors to increase their employability. Participating businesses provide mentoring, supervision and on-the-job training.

How does my business become a work site?

The first step is to contact HRDC’s Employment and Training program staff at (406) 247-4732 to learn about the different types of work experience. The Case Manager will then provide you with minimal paperwork that takes only a few minutes to complete.

Is there a cost to my business?

No, but there is an investment of your time in providing direct supervision and your business must be in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

What are the benefits?

Work sites are a great way to give back to your community and to someone in need of acquiring work skills to increase their employability. In exchange for your mentorship we ensure there is no increase in your payroll. In addition, each participant comes with a Case Manager, who will act as a liaison when there are performance issues.

How long can a participant work at my business?

In some cases, participants are required to work between 20-40 hours per week. Length of time varies from 700 hours up to 6 months depending upon the type of program the individual is participating in.

At what point can I hire the participant?

You are encouraged to offer a paid position at anytime. The goal is to provide the participant a natural transition from an assistance program to entering competitive, unsubsidized, employment.

Which employers are participating as Work Experience Sites?

Here are a few employers who have participated in the past:

• Big Horn County Elections
• Broadway Flying J
• Community Hope Inc.
• Computers 4 Kids
• D&D Transport Refrigeration Services
• Dew Drop Inn
• Family Services, Inc.
• Homestead Lodge
• Montana March of Dimes
• Montana Big Sky Chapter of March of Dimes
• Native American Development Corporation
• Salvation Army
• Special K Ranch
• Spirit of Life Church

For more information

Call (406) 247-4732 (Billings) / (406) 665-3500 (Hardin) or Email info@hrdc7.org

HELP – Link

The HELP-Link program is offered for recipients of Montana Medicaid. Depending on your needs and employment plan, HELP-link may be able to provide free training and support to help you achieve your goals. Participants must graduate or complete the program within a year. Since this program is part of the Montana workforce, participants have to find a job in Montana after completing the program.

How do know if I am eligible?

Only recipients of Montana Medicaid are eligible for this program. If you do not have Medicaid, you do not qualify for HELP-Link.

What kinds of services does HELP-Link offer?

• Career Coaching
• Employment Assessments
• Skills Assessments
• Career Exploration & Goal setting
• Financial Literacy
• Free Training
• Job Placement

Are there supportive services available?

Yes. HELP-Link provides supportive services such as transportation assistance, interview or work clothes and other employment tools available on a limited basis.

Is there someone I can work with to create a plan?

Participants of this program meet one on one with their qualified career coach to discuss and create a career plan. This is where you can find out what job field or schooling you are interested in, such as medical, CDL or IT.

How do I apply for HELP-Link?

There are two programs HELP-Link offers: Training Support and Diversion Assistance. Downloadable applications can be found below.

Diversion Assistance Application

Training Support Scholarship Application

For questions or more information:

Call 406-247-4732 or email info@hrdc7.org